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A low-pressure area (LPA) east-southeast of Baler, Aurora is bringing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over parts of Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

As of 4 p.m., the weather bureau said the LPA was spotted about 130 kilometers east-southeast of Baler. The weather disturbance, along with the prevailing easterlies, will affect the eastern sections of Luzon and the Visayas.

Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Isabela, Aurora, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Bataan and Camarines Norte will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms due to the LPA.

The agency warned of possible flash floods or landslides, especially in areas prone to flooding or with steep terrain.

The Visayas, MIMAROPA and the rest of the Bicol Region will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms caused by the easterlies.

Similar conditions are expected in Mindanao and the rest of the country, where localized thunderstorms may trigger flash floods or landslides during severe episodes.

Meanwhile, extreme Northern Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains due to a northeasterly wind flow, but PAGASA said no significant impact is expected in the area.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the east to northeast will prevail over Luzon and the Visayas, with coastal waters ranging from slight to moderate, or 0.6 to 1.8 meters.

The same wind conditions are expected over Mindanao, with waves reaching up to 1.5 meters.

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) saw its total assets fall by 18 percent to P278 billion in 2024 after remitting over P117 billion in funds and dividends to the national government under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

In its 2024 Annual Report, the state deposit insurer said total assets declined by P61.6 billion from the previous year’s P339.6 billion.

‘The drop in net assets is primarily attributed to remittances to the Bureau of the Treasury aggregating P107.2 billion fund balance under the GAA and P10.7 billion dividends, P1.2 billion operating expenses and P300 million payment of insured deposits,’ the PDIC said.

PDIC president and CEO Roberto Tan said the remittance supports ‘the fiscal strengthening and consolidation initiative’ of the national government and helps fund its priority programs.

‘PDIC remitted a total of P10.7 billion in regular dividends to the national government in 2024. This is in support of the fiscal strengthening and consolidation initiative as well as to help fund various priority programs of the national government,’ Tan said in his report.

The decline in assets, however, was partly tempered by the inflow of fresh resources, including P38 billion in assessment collections, P17.3 billion in income from investments and P2.9 billion in income from financial assistance and other sources.

PDIC’s cash and investments also declined by 18.5 percent to P273.1 billion in 2024 from P335.1 billion a year ago, comprising 98.2 percent of the insurer’s total assets. Most are in government securities and money market placements.

Total investment portfolio is composed of P256 billion corporate funds and P12.1 billion earmarked funds for the loan obligations of the PDIC.

PDIC’s total deposit insurance fund (DIF), which is the deposit insurer’s capital, fell by 23.6 percent at P236.9 billion in 2024 from P310.1 billion in 2023.

The DIF includes a P3 billion permanent insurance fund provided by the national government, P226.1 billion reserves for insurance losses and P7.8 billion in retained earnings.

Despite the decline, the PDIC maintained a DIF to estimated insured deposits (EID) ratio of 7.83 percent, surpassing its 6.5-percent target and exceeding the international benchmark for deposit insurance adequacy.

‘This accomplishment underscores the PDIC’s commitment to maintaining a robust financial safety net for depositors,’ the report said.

The PDIC reported a total income of P58.2 billion in 2024, a 12-percent increase from P52.3 billion the previous year, driven largely by assessment collections from member banks and investment income.

Assessment income accounted for 65 percent of total revenues, while investment income contributed 30 percent.

Investment income rose by 7.3 percent to P17.3 billion, reflecting higher returns from government securities and placements. Assessment income also climbed by 8.5 percent to P38 billion due to the banking sector’s continued expansion.

The PDIC assured the public that despite the decline in assets, it remains financially sound and well positioned to protect depositors in case of bank closures.

‘As of 2024, the financial position of the corporation is stable and adequate to safeguard against the risks in the banking system and the interests of the depositing public,’ the PDIC reiterated.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has signed the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) requested by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) against 19 individuals on Wednesday, October 15.

Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed with Philstar.com that the department received the ILBO issued by the DOJ on the new individuals tagged by the ICI.

‘Their names have been included in our centralized database, and their travels will be monitored and reported to the DOJ,’ Sandoval told Philstar.com in a message.

This means that their names have been circulated to immigration authorities to monitor the individuals from leaving the country, typically those who are subjects of ongoing investigations or legal cases.

It differs from a hold departure order, which is a court-issued directive preventing an individual from leaving the country.

The ICI earlier requested an ILBO against 19 individuals which including former and current lawmakers and engineers.

Three of the people included in the list had already been issued an ILBO from the initial list in the DOJ’s lookout bulletin issued on October 8.

Carousel Productions, together with Reign Project Management, held a media conference for the reigning Miss Earth Jessica Lane and her elemental court – Hrafnhildur “Raven” Haraldsdottir of Iceland (Air) and Bea Milan Windorski of the United States (Water) – at the Luxent Hotel ballroom in Quezon City.

“I fell in love with the Philippines not only because my close friend back home is a Filipina, but also because I saw the same passion families and communities share with their loved ones.

“After my reign, I will be back here in Manila more often in the future, just like other Earth queens before me,” said Jessica.

“I’ll run away with the crown, I’m not giving it up,” quipped the Australian beauty, whose victory allowed her country to become a pageant powerhouse.

Lane is set to graduate from college next year. The beauty queen advocates sustainable fashion. She noted how Miss Earth empowers young women to create changes and “somehow rectify excesses left by earlier generations.”

“To all global leaders, please listen because people around the world are affected by the onslaught of climate change; as scientists have shown proof, especially the youth whose future you are impacting. I’ve experienced bush fire and flooding in Australia, too! Protection against climate crisis is so important! We are all Earth citizens,” said the reigning Miss Earth.

She recalled a beach cleanup with children volunteers where the participants had difficulty discerning between waste and natural things because they saw shells and garbage as the same, having grown up with trash all their lives.

The mid-afternoon event was graced by Miss Earth 2004 Priscila Mereilles of Brazil and Miss Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez of Colombia, as well as Miss Charm Germany 2025 Luisa Victoria Malz.

Platform for good

For Filipina-American Bea, she plans to pursue law in the country.

“I intend to continue my journey in a legal capacity. The realities of climate change is felt by us, especially here in the Philippines. Miss Earth is a ripple effect of change. I will support it for the next 25 years, and the 25 years after that. Miss Earth should connect with a multitude of people,” said Bea.

Bea’s mother hails from La Union, where a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off the its coast.

The Filipina-American revealed that she recently joined a rally in Manila and saw how politics is connected with environmental protection. She said that people should communicate more about disaster preparedness, especially in light of recent events.

“Climate will manifest itself until you’re the one filming it. This summer, my hometown in Milwaukee was flooding. As a climate refugee, and if you feel that pageantry can help propel your advocacy, then join the Miss Earth platform. My home state has the largest number of misplaced individuals from causes not of their doing. That’s the reason why I volunteered to be a tutor for English as secondary language since middle school,” she shared.

This year, the Miss Earth Organizations is expecting more or less 80 international delegates. They will all be formally presented to members of the media next week.

Raven, meanwhile, said that she would continue with her Chemical Engineering degree. She sees the Miss Earth as a platform that people can contribute to and advocate for environmental protection.

“I gathered girls from the pageant community in my hometown and went on a cleanup drive. I remembered my mom telling us how she survived a snow avalanche when she was 16. Growing up with this tragic story changed my outlook in life.

“My hometown has 312 people living therein and I felt incredible going on a beach cleanup drive. Don’t let people stop you from doing what you believe in,” the Icelandic beauty said.

The 25th Miss Earth edition finals will unfold on November 5 at the Okada Manila. Stay tuned!

The Philippines achieved a milestone in forensic leadership after an official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was elected to the Management Committee of the Asia-Pacific Medico Legal Agencies or APMLA.

NBI medico-legal division chief Al Anthony Chua was elected during the 17th Asian Forensic Science Network annual meeting and symposium and the 13th APMLA conference in Incheon, South Korea from Sept. 15 to 19.

A 38-member delegation of forensic professionals from the NBI attended the event.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago lauded Chua for the international recognition, describing it as a ‘milestone not only for the NBI, but for the entire Philippine forensic community.’

Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has commenced with its preferred shares offering aimed at raising as much as P30 billion.

SMC is issuing 266.7 million Series 2 preferred shares, with an oversubscription option of 133.3 million shares, priced at P75 apiece.

The offer consists of Series 2-S preferred shares with an initial dividend rate of 6.9650 percent, Series 2-T preferred shares at 7.2560 percent and Series 2-U preferred shares at 7.5360 percent.

The offer period will run until Oct. 17, with the shares to be issued and listed on Oct. 24 on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

SMC will use the proceeds for the refinancing of existing short-term loans, which were used to redeem the Series 2-F Preferred Shares, to partially redeem the Series 2-J Preferred Shares and the Series 2-K Preferred Shares.

It will likewise be utilized to make additional investments in the infrastructure business, including the Manila International Airport and other airport related projects in Bulakan, Bulacan as well as the company’s tollways projects.

Bank of Commerce, BDO Capital and Investment Corp. and PNB Capital and Investment Corp. will be the joint issue managers. They are joined by BPI Capital Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Commercial Capital Inc., RCBC Capital Corp. and Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. as joint lead underwriters and book runners.

Perks often mean points and promos, but Globe is offering something more meaningful.

Globe is opening doors to today’s youth by connecting them with industry leaders and global pop culture icons through partnerships with Marvel U and Disney Studios. These opportunities are amplified through unique collaborations that bring experiences directly to students nationwide.

From volunteer missions to paid gigs and internships, the Globe Student Program welcomes every kind of student: the go-getters, the dreamers, the doers. It’s an open door to explore, connect and grow beyond the classroom and social media, now with a pop culture twist and real industry insights.

From fan perks to industry insights

Globe knows your life happens outside the classroom, that’s why it goes beyond typical rewards to connect you with your passions. It is your all-access pass to unforgettable experiences, from music festivals and art fairs to exclusive movie screenings.

For instance, through Globe’s partnership with Disney Studios and Marvel U, it brings you closer to the pop culture you love through epic fan activations and one-of-a-kind fan experiences designed for you.

You can also immerse yourself in the energy of music festivals, discover new things at art fairs, and catch the latest blockbusters at special screenings.

Also through this partnership, Globe is giving students opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals while enjoying the entertainment of Marvel Studios films. This commitment is proof of Globe’s drive to fuel student dreams and passions.

One recent highlight was the Star Wars Flyaway Program last April. In partnership with Disney, Globe gave four college students a chance to attend Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.

Winners received an all-expense-paid trip. Students stayed connected through Globe’s GoRoam Japan, ensuring they shared their once-in-a-lifetime experience in real time.

Continuing the momentum in September, Globe hosted a workshop with Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski, where 150 students from Metro Manila universities gained valuable insights into storytelling, creativity, and personal strengths.

Looking ahead, Marvel U will also join Globe’s Campus Rush Program, bringing more freebies, giveaways and workshops to students nationwide.

In addition to educational events, Globe’s partnership with Disney Studios continues to expand with blockbuster screenings.

This year, Globe also brought students across the Philippines to special showings of Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: The First Family in key cities including Baguio, Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, Cabanatuan, Cagayan de Oro, Manila and Quezon City.

Beyond the perks

For Globe, it’s not just about fan perks or fun events. The telco’s support extends to real opportunities for growth.

With its exciting partnerships, students don’t just attend events, they help shape them. They take on real responsibilities, gain hands-on experience (and sometimes income) and explore fields they might one day lead.

Whether building a resume, advocating for causes or finding community, Globe makes space for students to thrive. Because for Globe, perks are just the beginning.

The real reward is being part of something bigger-fostering connection, empowerment and community-building for the youth, inspiring them to #GoForwardTogether, and encouraging them to #GoForIt as they shape a brighter future

Sen. Francis Escudero, through his counsel, defended the P30-million donation he received from a top flood control contractor for his 2022 Senate comeback bid.

Escudero submitted his response to the show-cause order issued against him by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) investigating the propriety of receiving a contractor’s money for his campaign.

‘We’re filing our submission early to respect the Comelec process. Our position is clear: the donation was legal, fully declared and follows long-standing practice,’ Escudero’s legal counsel Ramon Esguerra said.

‘The law is on our side, and we are confident the Comelec will find no fault,’ he added.

Escudero and his campaign donor Lawrence Lubiano of Centerways Construction and Development Inc. were summoned by the Comelec to explain their side for alleged violation of the election code.

The Omnibus Election Code prohibits government contractors from joining political partisan activities and donating money to candidates.

Escudero’s campaign donation was also the subject of an ethics complaint filed against him at the Senate by lawyer Eldrige Marvin Aceron.

Aceron alleged that Lubiano’s Centerways bagged 112 contracts worth P16.67 billion in Escudero’s turf Sorsogon from 2021 to 2025 as a result of the campaign donation. Escudero served as Sorsogon governor from 2019 to 2022.

Aceron also alleged that Centerways secured only 12 contracts worth P720 million in 2021, but this ‘escalated dramatically’ to P15.9 billion worth of contracts from 2022 to 2025, or after the P30-million donation to Escudero.

Escudero denied impropriety in accepting a personal donation given by a friend. Lubiano for his part said he donated the money in a personal capacity.

Greg Slaughter said he is raring to go back to the PBA, four years after he last played in the league.

Slaughter, who last played in the PBA back in 2021 for the then-NorthPort Batang Pier, said that it is his ‘dream to come back’ to the PBA.

‘It’s been four years since I last played for the PBA. And I’ve missed it very much. I missed playing for the fans and competing in the top-level basketball league in the Philippines,’ he said.

‘A lot can happen in four years, and in truth, so much has: life experiences, growth and maturity. I’m older now and I am now the head of a family of five. I can honestly say that my life is great, but I also must admit, something has been missing,’ he added.

The 37-year-old center said that he is approaching ‘this new season in my life with humility,’ as he looked back and apologized on things he did wrong, including ‘miscommunications in the past that caused offense to an association that has been so good to me, an association that has made my dream of playing for a Filipino premier league come true.’

‘I am Fil-Am, but I have never felt more Filipino than when playing for the PBA. I’ve played elsewhere but nothing compares to playing for Filipino fans. They are the best in the world. Iba pa rin ang puso ng Pinoy,’ he said.

‘It is my dream to come back, and it is my dream for my family to see me proud of playing in the home court. I want my wife and children to watch me play basketball in the PBA again.

I want my three daughters to be proud of their father. I want them to grow up seeing me beam with pride in the PBA. To have a father who plays for the PBA is a legacy I want for my children.’

After being drafted first overall in the 2013 PBA Draft, he played for the Gin Kings until 2020. In March 2021, he was traded to NorthPort.

He then left the league in 2022 as he signed with the Rising Zephyr Fukuoka in the Japan B2 league.

In 2024, he returned to the Philippines and played in the MPBL.

‘Basketball is my favorite sport. I love it very much. It’s my life. I want to end by promising to everyone here and all the PBA fans everywhere that from here on, I will do my best and give my all in every game, and that you can all expect a more seasoned player,’ he said.

‘The PBA for me is family, the PBA for me is home.’

Slaughter’s PBA rights remain with the now-Titan Ultra Giant Risers.

There is cause for celebration in the Middle East. The last 20 living hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack against Israel have been released, Israel has also released 1,700 Palestinian prisoners taken during their war against Hamas, and world leaders signed a ceasefire effectively ending the war in Gaza.

We can give credit where credit is due; U.S. President Donald Trump had no small role in negotiating for this development and he should be commended for this.

But the question is and has always been ‘now what?’

What will Hamas do now that they have the time and opportunity to rebuild their forces? Will the Palestinian people still tolerate Hamas leadership after its actions almost led to the eradication of their existence? Who will rebuild Gaza and how?

Will Israel continue to push for the normalization of relations with the rest of the Middle East, which was one reason why Hamas launched their attack in the first place?

Trump dared say that this peace will hold, and while we hope it will, it isn’t something we should readily believe anytime soon. While there is happiness in both Israel and Gaza right now, the seeds have been sown for future conflicts; generations of Gazans will hate Israel for what it did during this war and will think nothing of taking up arms against it, Israel will never stop trying to destroy Hamas.

Will there even be peace? Now that Hamas has lost their best and only bargaining chips –the hostages– what will stop Israel from suddenly finding a reason to resume the war and finish Hamas off? Not that that would be a bad idea, one less terrorist organization to contend with.

What has yet to happen remains to be seen. But for now, let Israel celebrate the return of its hostages, let the people in Gaza celebrate the end of the war, and let the Middle East enjoy this breather in a world that has seen too much conflict recently.